Location: Gharana Wetlands, Suchetgarh, RS Pura, Jammu
Area: 40 acres approximately
Distance: 35 Kms from Jammu city
Last Sunday, I headed out to visit the Gharana Wetlands area where about 50 species of migratory birds reportedly arrive every winter. Bird photography is quite a hobby for me and so armed with my trusted Canon DSLR, I set out towards the wetlands.
Up until a few years ago, this area was encroached and neglected by the nearby villagers and the administration. But a recent order from the High Court, following a PIL, has resulted in government action to preserve this precious habitat of migratory birds.
I was mighty impressed with the efforts taken so far to announce the presence of this protected zone in the vicinity. Large signages on the roads easily led to the spot and the locals too were quite used to seeing people flock to the area to have a peek at the migratory avian population.
Indo-Pak Border
Since this area is barely a few kilometers from the Indo-Pak border, the migratory birds face a lot of disturbance and have trouble breeding and finding food. Besides declaring this a protected wildlife region, the officials also have the tough task of ensuring peace and quiet in this area.
I could spot the last BSF post in the distance and noticed the border fencing too. It was quite an amazing feeling to see the border this up close which actually looked very ordinary since it looked like a fence was erected in the middle of a field, dividing it on either sides. I had half expected to see loads of armed soldiers and a vast stretch on no-man’s land in between the two borders.
The early morning vibe of the azure blue skies which was tinted in beautiful hues by the rising sun was so lovely. I couldn’t stop from clicking a few pictures and marveled at the sharp colors everywhere in the absence of smog and pollution. Such dawn sights made it worth my while to get up this early in the morning and make the trip.
Bird count for the day
- Bar-headed Geese
- Gadwall Duck
- White throated Kingfisher
- Indian Moorhen
- Purple Swamp Hen
- Black Winged Stilts
- Green Shanks
- Common Teal
- Northern Pintails
- Northern Shovlers
- White Breasted Ibis
- Eurasian Wigeon
- Red Wattled Lapwing
- Warbling White-Eye
- Cattle Egret
- Spotted Owlet
- Long Tailed Shrike
- White throated Canary
It was an amazing day to sight a multitude of avian species at the Gharana wetlands. The most popular were of course the Bar-headed geese which began arriving around 8.30 a.m. and quickly settled in the water. The stunning sight of large flocks of these birds making gracious landing on the water is something I will never ever forget.
Besides these, there was a plethora of waterfowl species ranging from Gadwall, common teals, Eurasian Wigeon, lapwing, etc.
All in all a very productive and happy start to my day. I plan to head out in early December to spot more of the migratory population later this year. Hopefully by then the wetlands will be developed to their potential and have more resources for passionate bird watchers.
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What a treat this seems. You spotted such an amazing list of birds. I wouldn’t know half of them.
I have a bunch of bird watchers in the family and have sometimes accompanied them on their trips. I once watched hordes of migratory flamingoes at Bhigwan near Pune. They’re such beautiful birds. More than anything it’s the absolute quiet that makes me want to keep going back.
It was indeed a treat Tulika. I was also very happy to spot so many of them; though I am a little late in the season with my visit. The flamingos must have been a terrific sight. I had gone to see them at Sewri, Mumbai and it was a beautiful sight indeed. I hardly go in company for my bird walks since I need the peace and quiet and people just wanna chatter 😉
Wow, lucky you! This reminds me of the flamingoes that come to visit New Mumbai every winter. What a sight it must be for you to watch so many birds arriving from distant lands, plus view the border between two countries and wonder why we couldn’t live in peace!
Yes I have heard about the Flamingoes in Navi Mumbai and I might stop by Mumbai soon enough for a visit with them. I had seen them at Sewri in Mumbai a few years ago, but am told its much nicer sighting in Navi Mumbai.
Less said about the politics the better…. Sigh!!!!
What an adventure! That morning shot looks absolutely stunning. Omg what a view. It must be so exciting to spot the beautiful birds. I have a hard time finding the names of the birds.
It was indeed a real adventure for me Raji. I have slowly learned the names over the years. Initially, I was clueless too and still too many birds that I don’t know by name yet. 🙂
This looks like an amazing place and I’m glad it’s achieved a protected status. I’ve seen most of your list here, either in India on holiday, or in the UK for those that breed or migrate here. The Warbling White-eye and the White breasted Ibis are new to me, though!
Jemima, visiting from the A2Z
Yes its happy news indeed to see it got a protected status. Now perhaps these birds can come and stay in peace without being disturbed too much.
Wow what a list of birds Shalini. Those Kingfishers really seem to be everywhere. I saw them up and down the entire East Coast of the USA as well as in much of Central America. Flexible birds for sure. Good to see too that the government decided to protect the area a bit, for wildlife, locals and birdwatchers, too. Nice camera!
Ryan
Thanks Ryan and yes the Kingfisher really does get around a lot 🙂